Technology and mental health among NICU parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Parents of neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience many mental health stressors. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these stressors, as pandemic-related restrictions created barriers to resources and newborn bonding. Modern technology offers tools that can help NICU parents maintain their mental and social health remotely. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess self-reported mental health and technology use among parents of infants hospitalized in the NICU at a single institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also studied the prevalence of specific COVID-19-related stressors among participants. Participants were asked to rank a series of statements on a Likert scale to describe their mental health, technology use, and COVID-19-related stress. Spearman rank coefficients were calculated to measure strength and direction of associations. A sample of 47 participants completed the voluntary assessment. Mental health was negatively associated with higher COVID-19-related stress (rs-0.40, p=.015). The most prevalent COVID-19-related stressor was hospital visitation restriction, which 31.9% of participants assigned the highest severity stress score. Higher COVID-19-related stress was associated with the use of text and video chat for social support [(rs 0.35, p .016)and ( rs 0.33 p=.025) respectively]. Further, we found that greater enjoyment of technology use and greater access to technology were both positively associated with higher mental health scores [(rs 0.42, p=.003) and (rs 0.38, p=.009), respectively]. Our findings support the value of technology for individuals impacted by the stress of having a newborn who is hospitalized during a global health crisis. Evidence showing clinical benefits of technology supports the expansion of patient access and incentivizing funding for hospital programs, especially as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)